Description: Wondering if you can develop lactose intolerance as you age? Our detailed blog post explores the causes, symptoms, and tips for lactose intolerance in later life.
Did you suddenly notice that your favorite ice cream is not sitting right anymore? Or that your daily glass of milk is making you go to the bathroom instead of sleeping?
Yeah, trust me, you’re not alone. Lactose intolerance is more common than people imagine, and a lot of us start to feel more sensitive to dairy products as we grow older.
So, what’s going on here?
Is it really possible to develop lactose intolerance as you get older? Let’s break it down and see what’s fact and what’s fiction.
What is Lactose Intolerance?
First off, you need to understand what lactose intolerance is. It’s a common digestive issue that makes the body work harder to break down lactose, which is a kind of sugar that is found in milk and dairy products.
This happens when your small intestine doesn’t produce enough lactase, an enzyme needed to digest lactose, and this makes your body unable to process it, which causes further issues and consequences.
How Your Body Processes Lactose
The body usually breaks down the lactose into glucose and galactose by using the lactase enzyme, making it easier for our body to absorb them.
Without enough lactase, lactose remains undigested, leading to uncomfortable symptoms.
Common Symptoms
The symptoms can vary a lot from person to person but they typically include bloating, gases, diarrhea, and pain in your abdominal area.
Also, the symptoms can vary from mild to severe, depending on how much lactose you consume and your body’s level of lactase production.
Causes of Lactose Intolerance
There are several causes of lactose intolerance, that’s why it’s so common. You can develop it from genetic factors, as you grow older and your body starts to produce less lactase, and other issues that affect the small intestine like intestinal diseases, surgeries, or infections.
Here’s more info:
Genetic Factors
Genetics plays a significant role in lactose intolerance. Some people are born with a genetic predisposition to produce less lactase as they age.
This is more common in certain ethnic groups, particularly those of Asian, African, and Native American descent.
Age-Related Decline
As you get older, it’s natural for your body to produce less lactase. This decline usually begins in childhood and continues into adulthood, making older adults more likely to be intolerant to lactose.
Signs You Might Be Developing Lactose Intolerance
The signs vary from person to person, but you will notice it right away. Usually, people start having symptoms after drinking milk and notice frequent bloating, gas, or diarrhea afterward.
These could be signs of lactose intolerance. After the first symptoms, people usually keep eating or drinking dairy products to spot or identify patterns and triggers.
Some people also experience headaches, fatigue, and joint pain related to lactose intolerance. While it’s a lot less common, these symptoms can be just as disruptive.
Diagnosis and Testing
To confirm you are intolerant to lactose, you will need to do a Lactose Tolerance Test. This test will measure your body’s reaction to a liquid containing high levels of lactose.
After drinking it, your blood will be tested, and check its glucose levels. Low glucose indicates improper lactose digestion.
There are other ways to test this like Hydrogen Breath Test or the Stool Acidity Test
So, Is it possible to develop lactose intolerance as you get older?
Yes, it’s possible. Developing lactose intolerance as you get older is more common than you imagine. While it can be inconvenient, there are plenty of ways to manage it effectively.
The first thing you need to do is understand the condition and make a few changes and adjustments, so you can continue to enjoy an almost varied and satisfying diet.
